TB12 trainer reacts to Edelman news
FOXBORO — Patriots wideout Julian Edelman has been suspended four games for violating the National Football League’s performance enhancing substance policy, a source has confirmed.
Edelman, who missed all of last season with a knee injury, plans on appealing.
In wake of the wide receiver’s suspension, Alex Guerrero, who has worked with Edelman at TB12 Sports Therapy Center, issued a statement to the Herald.
“I’ve known Julian since his rookie year and he is a phenomenal athlete who takes his training seriously — it’s disappointing to hear today’s news. Elite athletes sometimes work with multiple coaches and health professionals as part of their offseason training,” Guerrero wrote. “Here at our facility, we take a natural, holistic, appropriate and, above all, legal approach to training and recovery for all of our clients. And anyone who would suggest otherwise is irresponsible, and just plain wrong.”
Guerrero’s biggest client, of course, is Tom Brady, and he also works with Rob Gronkowski.
Edelman is the second Patriot to be suspended for failing the league’s PED policy. Linebacker Rob Ninkovich also served a four-game suspension to begin the 2016 season.
The 2018 season starts off with games against Houston, Jacksonville, Detroit and Miami. If the suspension holds, Edelman would be eligible to return Week 5 against the Colts.
Edelman came out late to practice yesterday and was a limited participant, just as he had been the previous two days of minicamp. He wasn’t quite as involved as he was the first two days, however. At one point, he rode the stationary bike where he spoke with trainer Jim Whalen. Later, he and Patriots owner Robert Kraft were engaged in a discussion. No doubt the topic might have been Edelman’s pending suspension.
Edelman later huddled with Brady so it seemed pretty obvious something was up. The 10year veteran, who underwent ACL surgery on his right knee in August, turned 32 last month.
Edelman spoke Tuesday and said his rehab was going well, and he felt fortunate to be back on the field with his teammates.
“It’s been good. Any time you get to go out and see the fellas, and play with them, and talk with them, and be in the huddle, and look at guys, and participate in drills, that’s what you play the game for, ultimately,” Edelman said. “It was tough to watch it all on the sideline last year. To come out here, and just do little things, strap on the helmet, put some perspective how lucky you are to play the game.”